Helping Sports Kids Feel Confidence Again After Injury
Coming back from an injury can be one of the toughest mental obstacles for athletes at all stages.
Tracy McGrady, seven- time NBA all-star, spent eight straight seasons scoring more than 24 points per game before fading out in a flash after arthroscopic surgery.
The surgery itself was not a huge deal – many athletes have come back from worse physical injuries – but athletes returning from surgery are susceptible to a host of mental issues, most frequently loss of confidence.
They worry about re-injuring themselves and they play tentatively when they return.
Tentative play isn’t good for young athletes.
In order to grow as athletes, they need to take risks and play intuitively.
Jim Caldwell, executive vice president of headgear maker Unequal, says protection such as headgear can help an athlete at any age return from injury with more confidence.
“Think about what it does to the individual who has adequate protection. They find that when they crash into someone or hit the ground, they notice that difference the protection is giving them, and they end up developing a different attitude. They end up thinking ‘Gosh, I’m actually more confident playing this sport that I love.'”
Protection such as headgear can make your sports kids feel safe, which is essential if you want them to be able to make a smooth transition back from injury.
These protections may often be enough to stop your sports kids from thinking about their injury during play.
This will boost their ability to mentally get into the game, which will positively increase their confidence.
In addition to providing your sports kids with equipment that makes them feel safe, help them focus on playing in the moment, rather than thinking about getting injured.
Tell them to focus on the next play or move—not on getting injured.
Listen to the interview with Jim Caldwell here:
Related Articles on Youth Sports:
- How to Build Confidence in Sports Kids When it Wanes
- Parents: Helping Sports Kids Return to Sports After Injury
- Help Sports Kids Feel Safe and Boost Their Confidence
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The Composed Sports Kid
“The Composed Sports Kid” audio and workbook digital download program for young athletes and their parents or coach helps kids cope with frustration and anger in sports. Help your sports kids learn how to manage expectations and let go of mistakes so they can keep their head in the game.
The Composed Sports Kid system is really two programs in one–one program to train parents and coaches how to help their kids practice composure, and one program that teaches young athletes–ages 6 to 13–how to improve composure, let go of mistakes quickly, have more self-acceptance, and thus enjoy sports more!